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Sarah Polk's satin ball gown

Photographer

Bruce White

Credit

James K. Polk Ancestral Home Collection

Sarah Polk's satin ball gown

Sarah Polk’s grand pink satin brocade ball gown fits the description of an elaborate gown made for her by the Paris couturière Madame Manoury. This off-the-shoulder neckline is styled with pleats and adorned with floral ribbons at the shoulders and on the front of the skirt. For occasions requiring more modesty the designer included a chemisette to cover the first lady’s bare neck and shoulders. The deep V bottom of the bodice and short sleeves follow Sarah Polk’s preferred pattern, but the construction and other sophisticated details are French in style, rendered in perfection.